Washing By Hand - Skoda Octavia Owner's Manual

The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.
WARNING
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
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tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
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CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.

Washing by hand

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First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 203.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush. Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath-
er.
204
General Maintenance
CAUTION
When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
■
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings
or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.
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Automatic car wash systems

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 203.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilting
roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler, roof
rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
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cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
WARNING
Fold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors
- always use the electric controls.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 203.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance.
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
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